Definition ∞ A consensus mechanism pause refers to a temporary cessation of the block production or transaction validation process within a blockchain network. This action is typically initiated in response to critical security vulnerabilities, severe operational malfunctions, or major protocol upgrades. Pausing the mechanism allows developers to address issues without compromising network integrity. It serves as a protective measure to prevent further damage or exploit.
Context ∞ News in the digital asset space sometimes reports on consensus mechanism pauses, which can cause temporary disruptions in trading and network activity. Such events often spark discussions about the governance models and emergency response capabilities of decentralized protocols. The decision to pause a network balances decentralization principles with the necessity of maintaining system security.